Ice cream vans in games

Ice cream vans and video games are inseparable. Here's a quick run-down of the history, thanks to YouTube:

Twisted Metal - Playstation 1 (1995)

I believe this is the earliest use of an ice cream van in a game. As far as I can tell, the van had no music. It was driven by a killer clown called Sweet Tooth.

Micro Machines 3 - Playstation 1 (1997)

The ice cream van featured in the track Breakfast at Cherry's, great game but sadly no music.

Carmageddon 2 (1998)

Finally, some music! Another appearance of Sweet Tooth.

Grand Theft Auto 2 - Playstation 1 (1999)

For me, this was the one that started it all. It's the first use of an ice cream van in the GTA series, with a short but catchy tune.

GTA 3 - Playstation 2 (2001)

This is a classic. The van is called Mr. Whoopee and features a single ice cream swirl and a chocolate bar on the roof. The van is slow with bad steering, but that's not why you're driving it. In the mission "I Scream, You Scream" you use the van to lure your opponents to their doom.

Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 - Playstation 2 (2001)

A bit of a weird, snub-nosed ice cream van, but it features good strong tune so we'll let it go.

GTA Vice City - Playstation 2 (2002)

The return of the Mr Whoopee van, but with ice cream breasts and cherry nips! It features the same tune as in GTA 3, which is slightly disappointing. The "Distribution" mission has you selling drugs to pedestrians.

GTA San Andreas - Playstation 2 (2004)

GTA rules when it comes to ice cream vans. San Andreas saw the return of the truck, named Mr Whoopee sporting a giant willy and new tunes.

GTA 4 - Playstation 3 (2008)

GTA 4 marked a new, more serious era for the series. Gone are the genitals, although it has several different tunes and the faster you drive, the faster the tempo of the music. It still has terrible acceleration and top speed.

GTA V - PS3 / PS4 (2014)

Sadly, GTA V doesn't feature an ice cream van at all! It's been replaced by a Taco van which doesn't have a jingle. It's a sad day for ice cream lovers in Los Santos.

WatchDogs - PS4 (2014)

It looks like Watchdogs has taken the ice cream crown from the GTA series, with a lovely van and nice music.

Today I'm starting an official campaign to make Rockstar Games include ice cream vans in the next version of GTA. I hope I can count on your support.